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Jesus B. Santa Maria
Jesus B. Santa Maria, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 5, 2017 in Tucson, AZ.
He survived by his wife, Celia L. Santa Maria; his five children, Teresa “Terri” Avelar, Rosie (Richard) Ochoa, Antonio “Tony”, John and Joseph Santa Maria; his sisters, Lupe Caranza, Antonia “Tonia” Romero, and Mercedes Miranda; his brother, Frank Santa Maria; his 13 grandchildren, Jesus Mariñez, Clarissa Santa Maria, Daniela Ochoa Duke, Daviana Avelar, Richard Ochoa Jr., Antonio Santa Maria Jr., Janae Avelar, Devin Santa Maria, Jonathan Santa Maria, Michael Anthony Ochoa, Steven R.C. Avelar, Justin Garrett Santa Maria, and A.J. Santa Maria; and five great grandchildren, Leanna, Adrianna, Mariano, Eliasae, and Aliyanna.
Jesus was born and raised in Hayden Arizona. He was born on Sept. 21, 1931 to parents Jesus Salas Santa Maria and Josefa Bravo Santa Maria. He worked 42 years as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator for Kennecott/Asarco mine in Hayden Arizona. He retired in 1993. Jesus enjoyed many activities. He enjoyed taking his young sons hunting and was an avid gardener. In his yard he liked to build and paint things. He enjoyed visiting friends and loved spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, David and Richard; his sister, Josephine “Fina” Santa Maria Carrasco; infant son George; and grandson, Anthony Christopher Ochoa.
Services were held Saturday, March 11, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hayden. Interment followed at Mountain View Cemetery in Hayden.
Griffith Mortuary is providing exceptional family service. 101 Johnston Dr., Kearny, AZ 85137. Ph. (520) 363-5353. GriffithMortuary.com.
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